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Rep. Pallone to Honor Piscataway Marine with Congressional Gold Medal

October 16, 2012

On Wednesday, October 17 at 2:00 PM Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) will present a Congressional Gold Medal to Corporal Charles W. Brown, Jr. of Piscataway for his achievements and contributions as a Montford Point Marine during World War II. The presentation will be at Parker’s Landing Lane Nursing Care Residence in New Brunswick. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award in the U.S.

Nearly 20,000 Marines passed through Montford Point between 1942 and 1949, a separate training camp in North Carolina for African-American Marine Corps recruits during World War II. The Marines who trained there went on to fight for the U.S. overseas and paved the way for generations of African-American marines and servicemen. Cpl. Brown proudly served the United States from 1944 to 1946 in the Pacific Theatre of Operations, including Iwo Jima.

To honor the contributions of the Montford Point Marines and ensure their legacy is never forgotten, Congress passed H.R. 2477, which granted them the Congressional Gold Medal. It was signed into law by President Obama in November 2011. Cpl. Brown was unable to attend the formal ceremony held in Washington, D.C. on June 27, 2012, at which almost 400 surviving Montford Point Marines were presented with the Congressional Gold Medal.

WHAT:

Congressional Gold Medal Presentation to Piscataway Montford Point Marine

WHO:

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06)
Cpl. Charles Brown, Jr.
Cpl. Brown’s family and friends, including his wife and children
Brian Wahler, Piscataway Mayor
Mildred Scott, Middlesex County Sheriff
U.S. Marine Corps SergeantBrandon Bragg, Captain Jennifer Beckner and Gunnery Sergeant Kevin Hewitt of 6th Motor Transport Battalion

WHERE:

Parker at Landing Lane Nursing Care Residence
501 Easton Ave.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

WHEN:

Wednesday, October 17, 2012
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Issues:Veterans